One last post!

So I did and didn't wait this long on purpose to make my final course connection. I have been waiting for my nephew's birthday. I knew it was perfect and would definitely fit into Orenstein. And I was right. He got all "boy" toys, and all of his clothes were blue, green, yellow and black.
But what stood out to me the most, and I was expecting, was my sister's (his mother) reaction. She was excited and kept talking about how he was "such a BOY." and it was as if a toy store threw up the ''boys" aisle.
What I was not expecting was a conversation that happened when the party was wrapped up.
my sister as packing up all the new toys, and commented to another family member, who is pregnant with a girl, "its too bad that you're having a girl because I have so much super hero stuff I could have given you!" immediately I was angry, I ADORE super heroes and I am/identify as a girl. but it was the response that surprised me, the nonchalant answer of "I don't care, I love Spiderman."  I was floored, there were people out there willingly throwing out the idea of boy/girl toys, without ever having had a gender studies class.

Examples of Teens Resisting Dominant Ideology (or not) - Reflection(ish)

Examples of Teens Resisting Dominant Ideology (Or Not) –Reflection(ish)

This week’s assignment had sounded easy enough: spend time on the internet searching for examples of teens resisting dominant ideology. However, it isn’t as easy as it sounds. I, much like Julie, found that many teens perpetuate dominant discourse. However, I was able to find a few examples of resistance. However, these instances were not something you could simply Google, because more than likely the sites one would find would actually be about how to control teens effectively.

What I was able to find were generally on social media sites. Tumblr, YouTube, Facebook. I came across a myriad of teens and other young adults standing up, pointing out flaws in society and demanding change.

Feminism,

Victim blaming v. teaching not to rape,

Gender identification,

Definitions of beauty,

All provide outlets for teens, although this outlet may be resistant or compliant. What I found interesting was the patterns of resistance, or when the resistance occurred. These resistant voices were often not rallying around the concept of teenagers and unfair treatment by dominant ideology, except at an individual level, again much like Julie talked about. The patterns of individual resistance usually revolved around “me v. them” I found this interesting because despite trying to resist dominant ideology, it only serves to perpetuate them by admitting that most, or all, others do fit the stereotype. Despite knowing that oneself does not fit stereotypical roles, this does not create awareness on its own.

However these resistant images and writings do occur when defending a sub-group that has been openly discriminated against, in other words, historically discriminated against. I think that hits on the nose, so to speak, more. Everything that teenagers unite behind to defend has historical roots. This means that they have been taught to stand up for those rights, (women, gay, transgender, etc,). This leads me to believe that teenagers believe the dominant ideology about themselves, because no has yet stood up to it, specifically. No one has taught teenagers that they don’t have to accept that behavior.

Question and comments for Class:

Am I way of the mark here? I actually came up with that final theory as I was writing. (The first sentence of the last paragraph specifically) But does anyone else agree? Do you all think that if movements against the mistreatment of teens were to become public, teens themselves would begin rally to their own defense?